Aviation Boatswain\'s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jeffrey Baker, from Davenport, Iowa, directs the landing of an AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter from the aviation combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The Super Cobra was just one of an entire arsenal of aircraft landed in preparation for the ship\'s spring patrol. Others included AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft, as well as CH-53E Sea Stallion, CH-46E Sea Knight and UH-1N Huey helicopters. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson)